Byrne will not run for President - report

There are reports that Gay Byrne will not run in the presidential election, and that he will announce his decision on Wednesday.

Byrne is currently the bookies favourite and topped an opinion poll this week, but the Irish Independent reports that close friends believe he will not run.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says his party would support Mr Byrne as an independent candidate, but senator Ned O'Sullivan has spoken out to openly criticise his leader's offer.

Senator O'Sullivan said the broadcaster should face a parliamentary party meeting and compete with Fianna Fáil members who have expressed an interest in running for the party, including deputy party leader Eamon O'Cuiv.